Now that spring is here, things are gearing up at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. There are just 133 days until the 79th annual Nevada County Fair set to take place August 6 through August 12, and plans for entertainment, carnival, food vendors, exhibits, and special events are underway. ‘Gold pans and cattle brands’ is the slogan for the 2025 Fair, an idea that resulted from a community-wide contest, according to Andrew Trygg, CEO of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The slogan will come alive in unique ways that reflect the life and history of the community, making this year’s fair different from any other, according to Trygg. Buying tickets in advance is the best way to save money, and traditional discount days that honor those who serve in the military and hard-working students will be announced in the upcoming weeks. One proposal being worked out is a special day for everyone, of all ages, to be admitted for $3 if the ticket is purchased before 3 p.m. Contracts are being drafted for musicians and entertainers on each of the three main stages, and community awards are being chosen by the fair’s Board of Directors. Sponsors from around Nevada County are signing up, and even businesses from Placer County will be present at this year’s fair. Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, who represents the eastern portion of Nevada County, is expected to attend the fair for opening ceremonies, according to Trygg, and has also been invited to be a judge for the ‘chicken dress-up contest.’ Staff has been reaching out to volunteer groups at the Empire Mine and other state parks to set up a gold panning experience for attendees. Arena events such as a night of rodeo will be announced soon as well. Due to the continued spread of bird flu in California, poultry and dairy cattle exhibits are now banned from all fairs and shows. The California State Veterinarian announced the ban on January 7, saying it was “effective until further notice.” The purpose of the ban is to prevent the spread of H5N1 Avian Influenza, or bird flu, to non-infected animals and humans, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The Nevada County Fairgrounds features a livestock auction and poultry exhibition every year, and is in the final stages of publishing their competition handbook for all exhibits, including poultry and dairy cattle. There is talk that the ban will be lifted in time for the August fair, according to Katie Bielen, Deputy Manager of the Fairgrounds. “We are full on having a normal poultry show, unless we’re still on lockdown,” Bielen said. “If we are not having a full poultry show or dairy cattle show, we will have a virtual show.” Bielen has been in communication with judges and the entrance department to ensure exhibitors can participate. “We’ll have on-site education and the exhibitors can come and do their fair experience and the booth and still be a part of the fair,” Bielen said. The Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association (EDGE) are committed to the 2025 fair and the Draft Horse Classic being planned for September. EDGE are excited and have been building their membership, and have asked to do several ‘tractor parades’ at both events, according to Bielen. Car show The Roamin’ Angels Car Club is looking to return to the fairgrounds for their annual car show on the tentative date of September 6 after deciding to partner with the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds will set up and staff the event, and take care of the clean up and other duties to make the show happen. The car club will still be able to collect entry fees from the hot rods and classic cars who participate. It is a “win, win” situation, according to Trygg. The proceeds from food vendors and parking fees will go to the fairgrounds, and the not-for-profit can hold their one-day event with the intention of bringing people together and raising money for local high school scholarships. In 2024 the car show was held at the property at 400 Providence Mine Road, formally known as the Nevada City Tech Center. Country music concert The Red, White and Country event is planning to have five country bands playing from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on June 28, according to Trygg. The 2025 event added an additional country music band and adjusted the schedule to ensure that there is very little downtime, and the day is full of non-stop music. The set up of vendors and dance floor on the fairgrounds lawn is expected to be a bit different from last year, Trygg said. “We intend to make it a very family friendly and affordable event so that everybody can come out and spend the day,” Trygg said. Fishing derby The 2025 Lyons Lake Kid’s Trout Derby hosted by the Grass Valley Sportsmen’s Club is scheduled for Saturday, April 19 — rain or shine — at the fairgrounds. Children age three to twelve are encouraged to bring their rods, reels, bait, and lucky hat to the event. Sign in is at 7 a.m., and the derby runs from 8 a.m. until noon. Awards for the fishing derby will be given out at 12:30 p.m.
Now that spring is here, things are gearing up at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.
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